The Kent Reporter athletes of the week for the week of Nov. 15 are from Kentridge; Riley Tricas (Sr.) Cross Country, Addison Stendera (Sr.) soccer.
What do you value in your sport or about your team?
Tricas: I value the community that cross country has. I’ve played a lot of sports and by far cross country has the best community because everyone is cheering you on. It doesn’t matter the team or place, you’re always going to see people cheering for you.
Stendera: I value the memories I have made and the lifelong friendships I have created throughout the years.
What have you learned from your sport that you can take with you throughout your life/future?
Tricas: What I have learned from my sport is that as long as you have a good group of people around, the sky is the limit. I joined cross country freshman year thinking that I can just run this to stay in shape for basketball, but I learned in a year that the group of people I run with push me to my max and made me realize that I’m pretty good at running. They push me to work hard everyday and to do my best and I’m very grateful.
Stendera: I have learned how to overcome adversity and persevere through challenges. Going along with perseverance, I have also learned how to create a strong work ethic and how to push myself even on the hardest days.
What do you do when you aren’t motivated and what helps you stay motivated?
Tricas: For me running isn’t about motivation, it’s about discipline. You have to stay disciplined to run because you’re not going to stay motivated on a 11 mile long run for 80ish minutes. If you have that discipline you will always complete that long run or workout that is given to you that day.
Stendera: When I’m not motivated I remind myself of my goals and that if I want to achieve my goals I need to put in work everyday. I also gain encouragement from those around me when I’m not motivated. My parents, teammates, and coaches have helped me so much by continuing to believe in me and push me to my fullest potential..
Do you have a favorite pre-game meal?
Tricas: If I had to choose, it’d have to be some type of pasta. I love it and it is a great way to carb load 1-2 days out.
Stendera: My favorite meal the night before a game is spaghetti and my must-have pregame snack is fruit snacks.
What advice would you give to a teammate that is struggling?
Tricas: Running’s not for the week and you’re already doing what some people think is crazy. Most people can’t run a mile and you’re doing double maybe triple that. It’s mental, it’s all mental so get it out of your head and just keep running.
Stendera: I would remind them that they are not alone. In soccer, you always have a whole team and coaching staff that cares about you and will do anything to help. Leaning on the people around you can help so much when your struggling
From the sidelines:
Tricas: Riley qualified for the state cross country for the third straight year. He finished 10th place overall at the district meet running an impressive time of 16:30
Stendera: A talented technical player and tactical thinker, Addie helped lead the Kentridge Girls Soccer team back to the 4A State Playoffs. Addie is a two-year captain, plays a demanding center back position, and performs her best in the most critical moments
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